JP2016075663A - System and method for inspecting composite component being manufactured - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a system for easily inspecting a composite component being manufactured and a computer-readable storage medium.SOLUTION: There is provided a system for inspecting a composite component being manufactured, including an inspection system 52 designed to detect an abnormality of a process relating to a ply of a composite component during arrangement of the ply in relation to the system. Further, the system includes a calculation system 50 designed to determine the positional coordinates of an abnormal component detected by the inspection system relating to the ply of the composite component. The calculation system is designed to relate a process abnormality to a digital part model based on the positional coordinates of a part. The system moreover includes a display section 56 responding to the calculation system, which is designed to present expression of the digital part model including display of a related process abnormality.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  In order to inspect composite parts during manufacturing, and more specifically to detect process anomalies and to more easily deal with these anomalies in a timely manner, a digital part model that includes an indication of process anomalies Systems, methods and computer readable storage media for displaying representations are provided in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

  Various parts can be formed of composite materials. For example, the various parts can be formed by a composite ply laid, for example, on a forming tool. Each composite ply can be formed of a plurality of fibers arranged in a resin matrix so that the properties of the resulting composite part can be adjusted. As a more specific example, an aircraft fuselage can be formed of multiple plies of composite material laid to form one or more barrel portions.

  During manufacture of the composite part, the plies are inspected to identify anomalies. A variety of anomalies can be identified, including toe shedding, tow disengagement, tow gap, torsion, overlap, and presence of foreign debris (FOD). In this case, each ply can be inspected after its placement to identify the anomaly, so that this anomaly can be addressed before another ply is applied thereon. In some instances, inspection of a composite ply is performed manually by an inspector who provides an indication of any anomalies detected, for example, by enclosing the anomalies on the ply itself. The identified anomalies can then be studied, and at least some of the anomalies can be addressed, for example, by repairing, depending on the manufacturing specifications of the composite part being manufactured.

  Manual inspection of each ply after its placement is a time consuming process and can delay the overall manufacturing process for composite parts. In this case, after the ply is placed, the inspector needs to visually inspect the surface of the ply. When an abnormality is identified, the abnormal part is marked on the ply. If it is determined that the anomaly should be addressed, the anomaly can be repaired, followed by further manual inspection of the repaired ply before placing the next ply thereon.

  In automated lamination systems, such as automated fiber placement systems or tape placement systems, a vision system is utilized to inspect the ply. Automated lamination systems, including vision systems, can identify anomalies, but such systems generally identify anomalies related to the composite part being manufactured or to other anomalies detected on the same or another ply. It cannot be identified. Thus, while automated lamination systems, including vision systems, are useful for identifying anomalies during the manufacture of composite parts, challenges remain in determining how each anomaly should be addressed. For example, a requirement for a composite part is to indicate how various anomalies should be addressed, and this method can be used to identify the location of an anomaly with respect to the composite part and / or the same or other plies of the composite part. It can vary depending on the relationship of the anomaly to the anomaly.

  In accordance with exemplary embodiments, methods, systems, and computer readable storage media are provided for facilitating inspection of composite parts during manufacture. In this regard, methods, systems, and computer readable storage media are provided for detection of process anomalies during ply placement and for determining the location of process anomalies for composite parts and for other plies of composite parts. can do. Therefore, decisions on how to deal with process abnormalities can be made in a timely manner with full knowledge. Manufacture composite parts in a more timely and effective manner by facilitating inspection of the composite part being manufactured and correspondingly facilitating any repair of the composite part being manufactured Which can improve the overall manufacturing process.

  In an exemplary embodiment, a method is provided for inspecting a composite part during manufacturing, the method including detecting process anomalies associated with the ply of the composite part during placement of the ply. In addition, the method of this embodiment includes the step of determining the position coordinates of a part having a process abnormality related to the ply of the composite part. The method of this embodiment further includes the step of associating a process abnormality with a digital part model based on the position coordinates of the part. The method also includes displaying a representation of the digital part model that includes an indication of the associated process abnormality. Thus, the engineer can examine the display part of the digital part model including the display of the process abnormality in the process of determining whether or not the process abnormality should be dealt with.

  The method of the exemplary embodiment may detect process anomalies by scanning the ply surface of the composite part with a vision-based inspection system during ply placement. The method of the exemplary embodiment can determine the position coordinates of a part by obtaining the machine axis coordinates of the process anomaly for the composite part ply from a machine controller or process parameter monitoring system. The method of this exemplary embodiment also determines the position coordinates of the part by converting the machine axis coordinates to the position coordinates of the part. The method of the exemplary embodiment can associate a process abnormality with a digital part model by providing position coordinates of the part of the process abnormality to 3D visualization software that superimposes a representation of the process abnormality on the digital part model. .

  According to an exemplary embodiment, detecting a process abnormality can include determining a type of process abnormality. In this exemplary embodiment, the display of the representation of the digital part model may include assignment of different visual displays to different types of process abnormalities. The method of the exemplary embodiment can display additional information along with a display of process anomalies. For example, the display part of the representation of the digital part model can include a superimposition of post-cure quality data on the digital part model simultaneously with the display of the process abnormality. Additionally or alternatively, the display part of the representation of the digital part model may include an overlay of sensor measurement points in the process on the digital part model simultaneously with the display of the process abnormality.

  In another exemplary embodiment, a system for inspecting a composite part during manufacturing is provided that includes an inspection system configured to detect process anomalies associated with the ply of the composite part during ply placement. The system of this exemplary embodiment also includes a computing system configured to determine the position coordinates of the process anomaly detected by the inspection system with respect to the composite part ply. Further, the calculation system is configured to associate the process abnormality with the digital component model based on the position coordinates of the component. The system of this exemplary embodiment includes a display responsive to a computing system configured to present a representation of a digital part model that includes an indication of an associated process anomaly.

  The inspection system of the exemplary embodiment includes a vision-based inspection system configured to scan the surface of the composite part ply during ply placement. In an exemplary embodiment, the computing system determines the position coordinates of the part by obtaining the machine axis coordinates of the process anomaly for the composite part ply from a machine controller or process parameter monitoring system and determines the machine axis coordinates for the part. It is comprised so that it may convert into position coordinates. By providing the calculation system of the exemplary embodiment to the three-dimensional visualization software that superimposes the process abnormality part coordinates on the digital part model with the position coordinates of the process abnormality part so as to associate the process abnormality with the digital part model. Can be configured.

  The computing system may be further configured to determine the type of process abnormality. In this exemplary embodiment, the display is further configured to assign different visual indications to different types of process abnormalities. The display portion of the exemplary embodiment may be configured to display additional information simultaneously with the display of process anomalies to further facilitate an effective determination as to how the anomalies should be addressed. For example, the display unit may be further configured to superimpose post-cure quality data on the digital part model simultaneously with the display of the process abnormality. Additionally or alternatively, the display may be further configured to superimpose a sensor measurement location in the process on the digital part model simultaneously with the display of the process abnormality.

  In a further exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium for inspecting a composite part during manufacture has a computer readable program code portion stored thereon. In response to execution, the computing system receives information regarding process abnormalities relating to the plies of the composite part during placement of the plies. The computer readable program code portion causes the calculation system to determine the position coordinates of the process abnormality related to the ply of the composite part, and associates the process abnormality with the digital part model based on the position coordinates of the part. Further, the computer readable program code portion of this exemplary embodiment causes a computing system to present a representation of a digital part model that includes an indication of the associated process anomalies.

  The computer readable program code portion configured to determine the position coordinates of the part obtains the machine axis coordinates of the process anomalies for the composite part ply from the machine controller or process parameter monitoring system, and the machine axis coordinates are A computer-readable portion of program code configured to convert to a plurality of position coordinates. In an exemplary embodiment, the computer readable program code portion configured to detect a process anomaly can include a computer readable program code portion configured to determine a type of process anomaly. . In this exemplary embodiment, the computer readable program code portion configured to display a representation of a digital part model is computer readable configured to assign different visual indications to different types of process abnormalities. A program code portion can be included. A computer readable program code portion configured to display a representation of the digital part model superimposes post-cure data and / or sensor measurement points during the process on the digital part model simultaneously with the display of the process anomaly. A computer-readable program code portion configured in

  Having described aspects of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale.

6 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a side view of composite component ply placement and detection of process anomalies during ply placement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a block diagram of a system for inspecting a composite part during manufacture in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a representation of a digital part model including a display of process anomalies that can be displayed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

  The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which not all aspects are shown. Indeed, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

  Systems, methods and computer readable storage media are provided for inspecting composite parts during manufacture. The system, method and computer readable storage medium may be configured to inspect various composite parts. For example, the exemplary embodiment systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media can be configured to inspect the barrel portion of an aircraft fuselage during its manufacture. However, during the manufacture of systems, methods and computer-readable storage media, to inspect other composite parts of aircraft or other aerospace aircraft, or inspect composite parts manufactured for other uses Can be configured to. If one or more anomalies are identified during the inspection, a determination can be made as to how the anomalies should be addressed and, if necessary, the anomalies can be identified prior to completion of the manufacturing process. Can be repaired.

  The composite part can be formed from a plurality of plies arranged in an overlapping manner. The plies can include tows, tapes or other forms of composite materials. The composite material can include a plurality of fibers embedded in a resin matrix, which is related to the type of fiber and the resin selected based on the desired properties of the fiber and the resulting composite part. It has the parameter of. Referring to block 10 of FIG. 1, a composite part can be manufactured, for example, by placing the ply on another ply, forming tool, or the like. Although the plies can be manually placed, the plies can be placed in a variety of ways, for example by laying down with an automated tow placement system or automated tape placement system, so that the plies can be placed in an automated manner. Can be arranged. In conjunction with ply placement, the ply can be subjected to a compressive force that acts to force the ply toward the underlying ply or forming tool. For example, a compression roller can function to apply a compression force to the ply during its placement.

  As shown in block 12 of FIG. 1, the method of the exemplary embodiment can detect process anomalies related to the plies of the composite part during ply placement. More specifically, the methods and systems described herein can be used to immediately detect process anomalies while the ply is being placed or laid by an automated tow placement system. For example, various types of process anomalies can be detected for plies of composite parts, including toe shedding, tow detachment, tow gaps, twists, overlaps and the presence of FOD. If a process abnormality is not detected for a composite part ply, a determination can be made as to whether the composite part manufacturing process has been completed, as in the case where each composite part ply is in place. This refers to block 24 of FIG. When the manufacturing process is completed, the inspection process can be completed accordingly. However, if the manufacturing process is not complete and one or more additional plies are left to be placed, each subsequently placed ply is detected to detect process anomalies with respect to subsequent plies of the composite part. The process can be repeated to ensure that is similarly inspected during its placement.

  Process abnormalities can be detected by various methods. For example, an inspection system may be utilized to detect process anomalies related to the plies of composite parts being manufactured. Various types of inspection systems can be used. In an exemplary embodiment, the inspection system may include a vision-based inspection system for scanning the ply surface of the composite part during ply placement. As shown in FIG. 2, the ply 30 can be placed on an underlying ply 32, a forming tool or the like. In this case, the compression roller 34 can apply a compression force that engages the ply 30 and biases the ply 30 toward the underlying ply 32. During placement of the ply 30, an inspection system, such as the vision-based inspection system 36, can scan the surface of the ply 30 to detect a process anomaly 48 such as the torsion shown in FIG. .

  The vision-based inspection system 36 may include one or more illumination sources that illuminate a portion of the ply 30, such as the portion of the ply 30 immediately below the compression roller 34. In this case, the vision-based inspection system 36 can include a solid line laser 28 that directs an irradiation line across the ply, for example in the width direction, so that the ply emerges from under the compression roller. The vision-based inspection system 36 can also include a camera 40 that captures an image of light returned from the surface of the ply 30. To allow the camera 40 to move further away from the surface of the ply 30 during inspection, the vision-based inspection system 36 can also include a mirror 42 that reflects light returning from the ply to the camera 40.

  As a result of examination with laser lines, certain types of anomalies such as tow gaps, tow gaps, overlaps, and twists can be most effectively identified. However, other types of anomalies, such as the presence of FOD, are more effectively identified by wide area irradiation. The vision-based inspection system 36 may also include a more dispersed illumination source, such as a light emitting diode (LED) light bar 44, so that a portion of the ply just below the compression roller The area of the ply 30 in the immediate vicinity of the compression roller 34 can be irradiated. In order to identify at least a specific type of abnormality, such as the presence of FOD, by analysis therefrom, the camera 40 can sequentially capture images of a more extensively illuminated area.

  For example, in conjunction with an automated tow placement system or automated tape placement system, the ply can be moved to move across the surface of the ply 30 and to sequentially capture images of light returning from different portions of the ply. The vision-based inspection system 36 can be configured to sequentially illuminate different portions. A vision-based inspection system or a computing system that responds to a vision-based inspection system such as the computing system 50 described below can analyze the image captured by the camera 40. A vision-based inspection system or a computing system that responds to a vision-based inspection system, for example, adjacent to a ply to identify changes in the image that are likely due to anomalies that change the surface shape of the composite part The images can be analyzed by comparing the partial images. In this way, the vision-based inspection system can detect process anomalies 48 related to the composite part ply during ply placement.

  However, as noted above, other types of inspection systems can alternatively be utilized to detect process anomalies 48 related to the composite part ply 30. In addition, non-destructive inspection systems, such as ultrasonic or thermographic inspection systems, can examine the ply after manufacturing and curing by ultrasonic or thermal signals, respectively, and for foreign objects trapped in the laminate prior to curing. Responses can be analyzed to detect process anomalies related to such plies and porosity resulting from curing and the like.

  Also, as shown in block 14 of FIG. 1, the exemplary embodiment inspection method includes determining the position coordinates of the part of the process anomaly 48 with respect to the composite part ply 30. In this case, the inspection system can include a computing system. As shown in FIG. 3, the computing system 50 can respond to the inspection system 52 such as the vision-based inspection system 36 or non-destructive inspection system shown in FIG. It can be configured to determine coordinates. As described below, by first determining the machine axis coordinates of the process abnormality relating to the composite component ply 30, and then converting the machine axis coordinates to the position coordinates of the process abnormality part relating to the composite part itself, Can be determined.

  Although the computing system 50 can be configured in a variety of different ways, FIG. 3 illustrates an example computing system that can be implemented by a server, personal computer, tablet computer, or the like. However, other types of computing systems may implement the methods and computer program products of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

  Regardless of the illustration of computing system 50, the computing system can be configured in various ways. As an example, an embodiment computing system is shown in FIG. 3 and includes or is associated with processing circuitry 60 and memory 62 for performing the various functions described herein. The processing circuitry can be, for example, one or more microprocessors, one or more coprocessors, one or more multicore processors, one or more controllers, one or more computers, such as an ASIC (application specific Integrated circuit) or other various processing elements including an integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or some combination thereof, can be implemented as various means. In some exemplary embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to execute instructions in other ways that are stored in memory or accessible to the processing circuitry. These instructions, when executed by processing circuitry, may cause a computing system to perform one or more of the functions described herein. Thus, the computing system 50 can include a body that can be configured accordingly to perform operations according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, for example, if the processing circuit 60 is implemented as an ASIC, FPGA, etc., the processor, and the corresponding computing system, is particularly hardware configured to perform one or more operations described herein. Can be included. Alternatively, as another example, if the processing circuit is implemented as an executor of an instruction that can be stored in a memory, the instruction is specifically configured in sequence with the processing circuit and the computing system. One or more algorithms and operations described herein may be performed.

  The memory 62 may include, for example, volatile and / or nonvolatile memory. Memory, for example, hard disk, random access memory, cache memory, flash memory, optical disk (eg compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk read only memory (DVD-ROM), etc.), information is stored A circuit configured to, or some combination thereof. In this case, the memory may include any non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The memory may be configured to store information, data, applications, instructions, etc. that allow the computing system 50 to perform various functions in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. For example, the memory can be configured to store program instructions to be executed by the processing circuit 60.

  With respect to determining the position coordinates of the part of the process anomaly 48 for the composite part ply 30, the computing system 50 may be configured to obtain the machine axis coordinates of the process anomaly for the composite part ply. In this case, the machine axis coordinates define the coordinates of the automated tow placement system or automated tape placement system when placing the portion of the ply that contains the detected process anomaly. Machine axis coordinates are defined based on coordinate axes defined by an automated tow placement system or an automated tape placement system. As shown in FIG. 3, the computing system can obtain machine axis coordinates of process anomalies from a machine controller or process parameter monitoring system 54, such as a General Electric Proficy Historian ™ system. In this case, the machine controller of the automated tow placement system or automated tape placement system controls the placement of the ply and itself maintains a record of the machine axis coordinates during placement of each portion of the ply. Additionally or alternatively, process parameter monitoring systems such as the General Electric Proficy Historian ™ system do not control ply placement, but are automated tow placement systems or automated during placement of each part of the ply. Maintain a record of the machine axis coordinates of the tape placement system as well.

  Also, to determine the position coordinates of the part, the computing system 50 can be configured to convert the machine axis coordinates provided by the machine controller or process parameter monitoring system 54 to the position coordinates of the part. For example, if the composite part being manufactured is an aircraft, the computing system may be configured to convert machine axis coordinates to aircraft coordinates.

  Also, as shown in block 16 of FIG. 1, a method for inspecting a composite part during manufacturing can associate a process anomaly 48 with a digital part model based on the position coordinates of the part. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, for example, the calculation system can be configured to associate the process abnormality with the digital component model based on the position coordinates of the component. In this case, the digital part model may be defined in advance, and may be stored in the memory 62, for example. Using digital part models provided to 3D visualization software 64 by applications such as computer-added interactive 3D applications (CATIA) software to define digital part models in terms of part position coordinates This 3D visualization software 64 can be NLIGN Analytics ™, for example stored by the memory 62 shown in FIG. 3, which facilitates the presentation of the digital part model. Thus, the computing system of this exemplary embodiment provides the process coordinates to the digital part model by providing the 3D visualization software that superimposes the process anomaly representation on the digital part model with the position coordinates of the process anomaly part. It is comprised so that abnormality may be matched.

  Also, as shown in block 18 of FIG. 1, the method for inspecting a composite part during manufacturing may include displaying a representation of a digital part model that includes an indication of the associated process anomalies 48. Also, with respect to the system embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the system can include a display 56 responsive to the computing system 50. In this way, the computing system can be configured to provide a digital part model that includes process anomalies associated with the display. In response, the display may be configured to present a representation of the digital part model that includes an indication of the associated process abnormality. The digital part model can be represented in a variety of ways, but in one embodiment can be a three-dimensional drawing such as a wireframe drawing or other type of drawing of a composite part. A process abnormality display can be displayed on the representation of the digital part model. Various process anomaly indications may be provided to indicate the location of the process anomaly, including, for example, dots, flags or other visual indicators of process anomalies placed against the digital part model. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, a digital part model 70 of the barrel portion of an aircraft fuselage is shown. Each of the process anomalies detected for the barrel portion plies is illustrated in FIG. 4 by corresponding dots 72 at locations corresponding to the respective process anomalies for the barrel portion.

  In some embodiments, the computing system 50 may be configured to provide additional information regarding the process abnormality 48 in response to a user selection of, for example, the display of dots 72 associated with the process abnormality. For example, various additional information can be provided, including information regarding the type of process abnormality, a photograph of the process abnormality, and the like.

  Based on the display 72 of process anomalies 48 presented on the displayed representation of the digital part model, an engineer can effectively determine how each process anomaly should be addressed. In this case, the process abnormality treatment can be based at least in part on the relative position of the abnormality with respect to the composite part, and the location of the process abnormality is repaired by presenting a display of the process abnormality on the representation of the digital part model. Facilitates the determination of whether there is an advantage and, if there is an advantage to repair, the type of repair to be undertaken.

  In addition, the determination of how process anomalies 48 should be addressed is at least partially related to the relative location of process anomalies detected on other plies of composite parts that are pre-placed on the forming tool and have not been repaired. Can depend on. In this way, the representation of the digital part model can provide an indication 72 of the detected process anomalies 48 for the currently placed ply 30 and can also be pre- An indication of other anomalies detected can also be provided. The display of the abnormality may be different depending on the ply in which the abnormality is detected, for example, by being a different color, a different shape, or the like. In this way, the engineer can effectively determine the relative location of the process abnormality of the currently arranged ply with respect to the abnormality that is detected and not repaired in the other plies of the composite part. In this way, the technician can utilize the relative location of another ply abnormality to determine a method for dealing with the process abnormality associated with the ply of the most recently placed composite part.

  Based on this determination, one or more of the process anomalies 48 of the most recently placed ply 30 may be addressed, for example, by being repaired prior to placing the overlying ply. As a result of automatic detection and display of process anomalies on the digital part model, the determination of process anomalies to be repaired can be carried out in an effective manner, thereby enabling affected repairs in an effective way, The manufacturing process can be made faster.

  In connection with the detection of the process abnormality 48, the type of process abnormality can be determined by, for example, the inspection system 52, the calculation system 50, and the like. In this case, different types of process anomalies such as toe shedding, tow detachment, tow gap, torsion, overlap and the presence of FOD can be determined individually. In this exemplary embodiment, the computing system that cooperates with the display 56 can be configured to assign different visual indications to different types of process anomalies, thereby allowing the technician to deal with different ways. It is possible to easily distinguish different types of abnormalities that can be. For example, visual indications of different types of process anomalies may have different colors, different shapes, different text associated therewith, etc. to distinguish different types of process anomalies. With respect to the representation of the digital part model in FIG. 4, the display of different types of process anomalies can be represented by a circle, which is a different shade of gray depending on the chromaticity of the detected gray sample of the different types of process anomalies Have

  In some embodiments, additional information may be provided at the same time as the display of the digital part model 70 and the process anomaly display 72. As shown in block 20 of FIG. 1, post-cure quality data, such as may be stored by memory 62, for example, can be superimposed on the digital part model simultaneously with the display of process anomalies. Post-cure quality data may be provided, for example, by an ultrasonic inspection system such as a non-destructive inspection system. Additionally or alternatively, in-process sensor measurement locations (and data), such as can be further stored by the memory, can be superimposed on the digital part model simultaneously with the display of process anomalies. This refers to block 22 of FIG. In order to accurately superimpose the sensor measurement location on the digital part model, the position of the sensor can be expressed in the coordinates of the tool using the coordinates of the tool converted into the position coordinates of the part. Sensors can be configured to measure various parameters, such as sensors associated with monitoring bag integrity of vacuum bags utilized during subsequent autoclave curing of composite parts and / or thereafter Includes temperature and pressure sensor for use during autoclave curing. Based on this additional information, the technician may be able to make a more familiar decision on how to deal with detected process anomalies, thereby improving the efficiency of manufacturing composite parts. For example, sensors such as the occurrence of process abnormalities and abnormal sensors and / or ultrasonic data, due to the display of process abnormalities and simultaneous display of digital part models, post-cure quality data and / or in-process sensor measurement data Relationships and trends between / or ultrasound data can be established.

  As described above, FIG. 1 illustrates a flowchart of a system, method, and computer program product according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Each block of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart, such as a computer program product that includes one or more computer-readable storage media having hardware and / or stored computer-readable program instructions, It will be appreciated that it can be implemented by various means. For example, one or more of the procedures described herein can be implemented by computer program instructions of a computer program product. In this case, a computer program product that implements the procedures described herein can be stored in one or more memory devices 62 of the computing system 50 and executed by the processing circuit 60 of the computing system. In some embodiments, computer program instructions including a computer program product that implements the above-described procedure may be stored by multiple memory devices. Any such computer program product, such that a computer program product containing instructions for execution on a computer or other programmable device creates a means for performing the functions specified in the blocks of the flowchart, It will be appreciated that the machine can be loaded on a computer or other programmable device for generating. In addition, a computer program product stores computer program instructions so that one or more computer readable memory can direct a computer or other programmable device to function in a particular manner. A computer program product includes an article of manufacture that implements the functionality specified in the blocks of the flowchart, because it can include one or more computer-readable memory that can be. Also, the computer program instructions of one or more computer program products can be loaded onto a computing system or other programmable device, and instructions executed on the computing system or other programmable device are flowcharted. A series of operations are performed on a computing system or other programmable device to generate a computer-implemented process that implements the functions specified in the blocks.

  Thus, a block or step of the flowchart supports a combination of means for performing a specified function and a combination of steps for performing a specified function. Also, one or more blocks in the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart, are implemented by a dedicated hardware-based computer system that performs a specified function or step, or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer program products. It will be understood that this may be done.

  The above functions can be implemented in many ways. For example, any suitable means for performing the functions described above can be used to implement embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, a properly configured computing system 50 can provide all or some elements of this disclosure. In another embodiment, all or some elements can be configured by a computer program product and can operate under the control of the computer program product. A computer program product for performing the methods of the embodiments of the present disclosure is a computer readable storage medium, such as a non-volatile storage medium, and a series of computer instructions implemented on a computer readable storage medium. Contains computer readable program code portions.

Furthermore, this disclosure includes embodiments in accordance with the following clauses.
Article 1. A method for inspecting a composite part during manufacturing, wherein the method detects a process abnormality related to the ply of the composite part during the placement of the ply, and a position coordinate of the part of the process abnormality related to the ply of the composite part. A method comprising: determining; associating a process abnormality with a digital part model based on the position coordinates of the part; and displaying a representation of the digital part model including an indication of the associated process abnormality.

  Article 2. The method of clause 1, wherein detecting the process anomaly comprises scanning the surface of the composite part ply with a vision-based inspection system during ply placement.

  Article 3. The step of determining the position coordinates of the part includes the step of obtaining the machine axis coordinates of the process abnormality related to the ply of the composite part from the machine controller or the process parameter monitoring system, and the step of converting the machine axis coordinates to the position coordinates of the part. The method of clause 1, including.

  Article 4. The method of clause 1, wherein associating the process abnormality with the digital part model includes providing position coordinates of the process abnormality part to three-dimensional visualization software that superimposes the process abnormality expression on the digital part model.

  Article 5. The step of detecting a process anomaly includes determining a type of process anomaly, and displaying the representation of the digital part model includes assigning different visual indications to different types of process anomalies. Method.

  Article 6. The method of clause 1, wherein displaying the representation of the digital part model further comprises superimposing post-cure quality data on the digital part model simultaneously with displaying the process anomaly.

  Article 7. The method of clause 1, wherein displaying the representation of the digital part model further comprises superimposing a sensor measurement location in the process on the digital part model simultaneously with displaying the process anomaly.

  Article 8. A system for inspecting composite parts during manufacturing, wherein the system is configured to detect process anomalies related to the plies of the composite parts during placement of the plies, and an inspection system for the plies of the composite parts A calculation system configured to determine the position coordinates of a part having a process abnormality detected by the calculation system, and further configured to associate the process abnormality with a digital part model based on the position coordinates of the part; And a display responsive to the computing system configured to present a representation of the digital part model including an indication of the associated process abnormality.

  Article 9. 9. The system of clause 8, wherein the inspection system comprises a vision based inspection system configured to scan the surface of the composite part ply during ply placement.

  Article 10. The calculation system obtains the machine axis coordinate of the process abnormality related to the ply of the composite part from the machine controller or the process parameter monitoring system, and determines the position coordinate of the part by converting the machine axis coordinate to the position coordinate of the part. The system according to clause 8, configured in

  Article 11. A clause where the computing system is configured to associate process anomalies with a digital part model by providing 3D visualization software that superimposes process anomalies on the digital part model with the position coordinates of the process anomaly parts. 8. The system according to 8.

  Article 12. 9. The system of clause 8, wherein the computing system is further configured to determine a type of process anomaly and the display is further configured to assign different visual indications to different types of process anomalies.

  Article 13. 9. The system of clause 8, wherein the display is further configured to superimpose post-cure quality data on the digital part model simultaneously with the display of process anomalies.

  Article 14. 9. The system according to clause 8, wherein the display unit is further configured to superimpose a sensor measurement location in the process on the digital part model simultaneously with the display of the process abnormality.

  Article 15. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium for inspecting a composite part during manufacturing, in response to execution, the computing system is informed about process abnormalities related to the composite part ply during ply placement. And receiving the position coordinates of the process abnormality part relating to the composite part ply, associating the process abnormality with the digital part model based on the position coordinates of the part, and displaying the display of the related process abnormality. A computer readable storage medium having stored computer readable program code portions for presenting a representation.

  Article 16. A computer readable program code section configured to determine the position coordinates of a part obtains the machine axis coordinates of the process anomaly for the composite part ply from the machine controller or process parameter monitoring system, and the machine axis coordinates are 16. The computer readable storage medium of clause 15, comprising a computer readable program code portion configured to convert to a position coordinate.

  Article 17. A computer-readable program code part configured to associate process anomalies with a digital part model provides 3D visualization software that superimposes process anomalies on the digital part model with position coordinates of process anomalies. 16. A computer readable storage medium according to clause 15, comprising a computer readable program code portion configured in the above.

  Article 18. A computer readable program code portion configured to detect a process anomaly includes a computer readable program code portion configured to determine a type of process anomaly and display a representation of a digital part model The computer readable storage of clause 15 wherein the computer readable program code portion configured to include a computer readable program code portion further configured to assign different visual indications to different types of process abnormalities Medium.

  Article 19. A computer readable program code portion configured to display a representation of the digital part model is configured to superimpose post-cure quality data on the digital part model simultaneously with the display of process anomalies. The computer readable storage medium of clause 15, further comprising a program code portion.

  Article 20. Computer-readable program code portion configured to display a representation of the digital part model, computer-readable, configured to overlay the sensor measurement location in the process on the digital part model at the same time as displaying the process anomaly 16. The computer-readable storage medium according to clause 15, further including a program code portion.

  Many modifications and other aspects of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art, and the disclosure is related to this with the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Accordingly, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular aspects disclosed, and that modifications and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. is there. Although specific terms are used herein, this is used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

10 blocks
12 blocks
14 blocks
16 blocks
18 blocks
20 blocks
22 blocks
24 blocks
28 Solid line laser
30 ply
32 ply
34 Compression roller
36 Vision-based inspection system
40 cameras
42 Mirror
44 Light Emitting Diode (LED) Light Bar
48 Process abnormality
50 Calculation system
52 Inspection system
54 Machine controller or process parameter monitoring system
56 Display
60 Processing circuit
62 memory
64 3D visualization software
70 Digital parts model
72 dots, display

Claims (10)

A method for inspecting a composite part during manufacture, said method comprising:
Detecting a process abnormality (48) associated with the ply (30) of the composite part during placement of the ply (30);
Determining the position coordinates of the part of the process abnormality (48) with respect to the ply (30) of the composite part;
Associating the process abnormality (48) with a digital part model (70) based on the position coordinates of the part;
Displaying (18) a representation of the digital part model (70) including a display (72) of the associated process anomaly.   The step (12) of detecting the process anomaly (48) comprises scanning the surface of the ply (30) of the composite part with a vision-based inspection system during placement of the ply (30). The method according to 1. Determining the position coordinates of the part (14),
Obtaining machine axis coordinates of the process anomaly (48) for the ply (30) of the composite part from a machine controller (54) or a process parameter monitoring system (54);
The method according to claim 1, comprising: converting the machine axis coordinates into position coordinates of the part.   The step (16) of associating the process abnormality (48) with the digital part model includes the position coordinates of the part of the process abnormality (48) on the digital part model (70). A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the step of providing to a three-dimensional visualization software (64) for overlaying.   The step (12) of detecting the process abnormality (48) includes a step of determining a type of the process abnormality (48), and the step (18) of displaying the representation of the digital part model is a different type of process. 5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the step of assigning abnormally different visual indications.   The step (18) of displaying the representation of the digital part model (70) superimposes post-cure quality data on the digital part model (70) simultaneously with the display (72) of the process abnormality (20). 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:   The step (18) of displaying the representation of the digital part model (70) superimposes sensor measurement points in the process on the digital part model (70) simultaneously with the display (72) of the process abnormality ( The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising 22). A system for inspecting composite parts during manufacturing, said system comprising:
An inspection system (52) configured to detect a process abnormality (48) associated with the ply (30) of the composite part during placement of the ply (30);
A computing system (50) configured to determine position coordinates of a part of the process abnormality (48) detected by the inspection system (52) with respect to the ply (30) of the composite part, the part A calculation system (50) further configured to associate the process abnormality (48) with the digital part model (70) based on the position coordinates of
A display (56) responsive to the computing system (50) configured to present a representation of the digital part model (70) including an indication of the associated process anomaly (48).   The inspection system (52) of claim 8, wherein the inspection system (52) comprises a vision-based inspection system configured to scan a surface of the ply (30) of the composite part during placement of the ply (30). system.   The calculation system (50) acquires a machine axis coordinate of the process abnormality (48) related to the ply (30) of the composite part from a machine controller (54) or a process parameter monitoring system (54), and the machine axis The system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the system is configured to determine the position coordinates of the part by converting coordinates into position coordinates of the part.

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